Even after witnessing renewed enthusiasm among the voters and the prevailing peaceful environment in the Kashmir Valley, tight security measures have been put in place for the upcoming Baramulla LS constituency, which is heading for polls on May 20, officials said.
Security has been beefed up across all districts of North Kashmir to ensure peaceful polling.
Although acknowledging the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in north Kashmir, officials said precautionary security measures empower voters to exercise their franchise freely and without fear.
After the delimitation exercise, the Baramulla LS constituency incorporates segments of Kupwara, Bandipora, and select assembly segments of the Budgam district.
Security review sessions were held in Kupwara and Sopore, presided over by Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
At the same time, political commentators anticipate a larger turnout, maybe exceeding the 38% voter turnout achieved on May 13 in Srinagar since 1989.
The Baramulla LS seat is shaping up to be a hotly contested race with the involvement of incarcerated ex-MLA Er. Rasheed. Omar Abdullah and Sajad Gani Lone are also in the fray.
Extensive campaigning is underway for the seat, with the NC's senior leadership seeking votes for statehood and opposing the idea of the existence of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lone, on the other hand, is determined to overthrow the dynastic rule, as he repeatedly states wherever he travels to campaign.
While Er. Rasheed's son Abrar campaigns for youths imprisoned under the PSA and UAPA.
Confident of his victory, Lone said, "We fought this election differently, broadened our reach, and addressed the main concerns of the Baramulla constituency.
Our demonstrations and meetings have been effective, and our emblem 'Apple' corresponds with Baramulla, where a major section of the population is engaged with horticulture."
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, while campaigning for the seat, said, "I am confident that people will vote for me, and I assure them that I will raise their voice in the parliament; he has reiterated this at several past meetings." While he refers to Lone as a BJP proxy in the valley.
The Baramulla LS seat has 18 lakh registered voters who will go to the polls on May 20 to decide the fate of the 22 contenders in the race.
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